People in prison are still struggling to receive books and use libraries

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

HMP Buckley Hall, from above

Problems in prisons mean that inmates are still struggling to receive books and visit libraries, according to the Howard League for Penal Reform. It is five years since the charity ran a successful campaign to overturn unlawful restrictions imposed by the-then Secretary of State for Justice, Chris Grayling.

Prisoners, their families and education charities have contacted the Howard League to report that books have been either returned to sender or held up by red tape. One prisoner said that even prayer books and bibles had been held in storage.

Meanwhile, access to libraries remains poor in many prisons, including Buckley Hall in Rochdale. Restricted regimes, often enforced because of overcrowding and staff shortages, leave people spending hours on end in their cells without access to phone calls, work, exercise, education and library visits.

The Howard League launched its Books For Prisoners campaign in 2014 after the government introduced a ban on sending books into prisons.

The campaign drew international support – from leading figures from the arts world, former prisoners of conscience and activists from across the political spectrum, as well as thousands of the charity’s members.

The restrictions were scrapped after the High Court ruled that they were unlawful. The Ministry of Justice changed its policy, indicating that prisoners could receive books from approved retailers and families and friends.

Five years on, however, problems persist. A Howard League review of official prison inspection reports reveals that inspectors have repeatedly encountered underused libraries and frustrated prisoners.

A 2016 inspection found that access to the library in Buckley Hall prison was “very poor” and most inmates could not get there at all. Data collected indicated that only 10 to 15 prisoners used it each day.

Frances Crook, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “Books can be a lifeline for prisoners, who often have to spend months or even years locked almost all day in a small cell. The alternative is daytime TV.

“We should be moving heaven and earth to get people in prison to read. Prisons must give this priority.”

Rob Knight, the governor of Buckley Hall, has been approached for comment.